Lamine Yamal has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn hamstring, as confirmed by Barcelona. However, the Spanish champions expect him to recover in time for the World Cup.
Yamal, aged 18, suffered the injury while executing – and successfully converting – a penalty in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday. Following tests at the club’s training facility, it was announced that he would follow a “conservative treatment plan” and will miss the team’s final six matches this season.
Despite this setback, Barça stated they anticipate his availability for the World Cup, with Spain set to commence their tournament campaign in 53 days on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta.
La Roja, one of the tournament favorites, will also compete against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.
In an Instagram post, Yamal expressed his disappointment, stating, “This injury sidelines me at the very moment I wanted to be on the pitch the most, and it hurts more than I can explain. It pains me not being able to fight alongside my teammates when they need me the most. However, I believe in them, and I know they will play with all their heart.”
“I’ll be there in spirit, cheering them on as if I were playing. This is just a setback, not the end. I’ll return stronger and more determined than ever, and I look forward to an even better next season,” he added, thanking fans for their support and saying “Visca el Barça.”
The absence of Yamal complicates Barça’s pursuit of the title, but they are still well-positioned, leading second-placed Real Madrid by nine points with six games left to play.
The two teams are set to clash in the second league Clásico on May 10 at Spotify Camp Nou, which could significantly influence the title race.
Before facing Madrid, Barcelona has challenging away fixtures against Getafe and Osasuna as they aim for consecutive league titles under Hansi Flick. Their final three games will see them visit Alaves, host Real Betis, and play away at Valencia.
Barcelona is also contending with the absence of Raphinha, which leaves them lacking in offensive strength as they strive to secure their place in LaLiga.
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Though Raphinha hopes to return for the Clásico next month, until then, Barcelona will need to depend on the performances of players such as Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford.
This season, Yamal has occasionally battled a sports hernia but remained largely available, featuring 45 times across all competitions. His recent goal against Celta Vigo brought his total for the season to 24, along with 17 assists.